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Caption

Untreated fractured vertebra. Coloured X-rays of sections through the spine of a 39-year-old patient, showing a fracture of the L2 lumbar vertebra (highlighted) 30 days after refusal of treatment. The fracture has caused sagging of the upper vertebral plate (left image) and pronounced collapse of the affected vertebra marked by the 'swinging out' of the overlying spinal structures.